Remembering the Shalimar: From proms to political parties

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — In 2019, the popular Excelsior Grand in New Dorp ended its almost 50 years of hosting thousands of weddings, Sweet 16s, bar and bat mitzvahs, anniversaries and other functions, including the annual Advance Women of Achievement luncheon.

Formerly named the Shalimar, the Excelsior Grand was sold for $10.2 million to a Manhattan restaurateur, and its former location at 2380 Hylan Blvd. is now home to an HL Supermarket.

Staten Islanders will always have the memories made at the former Shalimar, including proms, political parties, charity events, celebrities, thousands of Staten Island weddings and even President George H.W. Bush, who visited for a campaign fundraiser for Rep. Susan Molinari.

Scroll below for vintage photos of dignitaries from the borough and beyond, snapped at the former Shalimar.

Mayor David DinkinsRobert Gigante, now retired Richmond County Surrogate, is pictured with then-Mayor David Dinkins at the Shalimar.Staten Island AdvanceWomen of AchievementA general view of the crowd at the 17th annual Women of Achievement awards luncheon at the former Shalimar in November 1978.Staten Island AdvanceAdvance Women of Achievement Luncheon Honoree Hertha Winsch is pictured with Advance Editor Less Trautmann and a guest speaker, columnist Heloise, seated.Staten Island AdvanceEleanor Proske speaking at the Shalimar at the 1981 Women of Achievement Luncheon.Staten Island AdvanceCollege students Elizabeth Kennedy, left, and Candy Kronish, right, dressed up in plaid skirts for the Women of Achievement luncheon at the Shalimar November 1979.Staten Island AdvanceElection NightGuy Molinari gives daughter Susan a lift as his wife Marguerite Molinari looks on during election night at the Shalimar in New Dorp on Nov. 4, 1985.SIA file photoRonald ReaganThen-presidential candidate Ronald Reagan addresses Brooklyn Republicans at a fund-raiser at the former Shalimar in New Dorp in 1976.Staten Island AdvanceGeorge H.W. BushVice President Bush shakes hands with a police officer from the 122nd Precinct, New Dorp, after leaving the Shalimar in 1981.Staten Island AdvanceMayor Edward KochMayor Edward I. Koch hugs Borough President Anthony Gaeta during the Democratic dinner in the Shalimar.Staten Island AdvanceSt. John’s UniversityStudents, graduates, faculty, staff and administrators of st. John’s University celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Staten Island campus, with a dinner/dance in the Shalimar. Going over the program for the evening are, left to right; Harry Gregor, Vito Fossella, the Rev. joseph Cahill and Paul DeStefano.Staten Island AdvanceState Comptroller Edward V. ReganCity Councilman Anthony Giacobbe gets State Comptroller Edward V. Regan’s address at the dinner in the Shalimar.Staten Island AdvanceStaten Island Chamber of CommerceU.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato speaking at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce meeting at the Shalimar in 1982.Staten Island AdvanceStaten Island Council on the ArtsBorough President Ralph Lamberti, left, roasts Advance Editor Les Trautmann during the Staten Island Council on the Arts spring luncheon in the Shalimar. Enjoying the roast are, from the left, Roseann DiVernieri, luncheon co-chairwoman; Trautmann, and his wife, Virginia.Staten Island AdvanceRichmond County Bar AssociationState Supreme Court Justice Louis Sangiorgio, honored as the Richmond County Bar Association’s “Man of the Year,” talks with daughter Annette before the association’s banquet in the Shalimar.Staten Island AdvanceFrederic Grae, left, president of the Richmond County Bar Association, Supreme Court Justice Vito J. Titone, and Thomas S. Rybicki, right, chairman of the program, talk during the dinner to honor Titone in the Shalimar.Staten Island AdvanceHonoring Judge Mark Costantino, right, at the Richmond County Bar Association’s 72nd annual banquet in the Shalimar.Staten Island AdvanceGov. Mario CuomoGovernor Mario Cuomo and Deputy Borough President Nick LaPorte shake hands before Cuomo’s speech at the Shalimar.Staten Island AdvanceGovernor Mario M. Cuomo delivers remarks at the borough’s president campaign fund-raiser in the Shalimar.Staten Island Advance

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